While refusing to grant bail to an accused in a drugs case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Supreme Court Today (Dec 6) made references to popular TV shows Breaking Bad and Narcos. “You cannot fight with these people who are literally killing youth of this country,” Justice Sharma remarked. The Bench evoked two popular shows which deal with the drug trade.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India denied bail to an accused in a drugs case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), drawing attention with references to the popular television series Breaking Bad and Narcos.
The Bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, invoked the TV shows to emphasize the challenges posed by organized drug syndicates.
The remarks, made during the hearing, underscored the Court’s concern about the broader implications of the drug trade on society, particularly the youth.
Judicial Remarks Highlight Drug Syndicate Menace
Justice Satish Chandra Sharma remarked,
“Let me ask you, you must have seen Narcos? Very strong syndicate. Rarely caught. Another one that is must watch is Breaking Bad. You cannot fight with these people who are literally killing youth of this country.”
The comment highlighted the sophistication and resilience of drug cartels, as depicted in these globally acclaimed TV dramas, drawing parallels to real-world challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.
Context of the Case
The Supreme Court was hearing an appeal against a Delhi High Court ruling dated October 4, which had denied anticipatory bail to a married man implicated in a drug trafficking case.
The individual in question was linked to an alleged employee caught with 73.80 grams of heroin (smack) in April this year.
The High Court, while denying pre-arrest bail, had noted that the investigation was still in its early stages. It stated,
“To grant anticipatory bail in a case of this nature is not really warranted… no recovery of contraband has been attributed to the applicants herein, however, perusal of the Status Report filed on behalf of State shows that Section 67 notices have been evaded by applicant…Besides, whether custodial interrogation is required, necessitated or not is a discretion to be exercised by the IO.”
Supreme Court Upholds Delhi High Court Ruling
Agreeing with the High Court’s findings, the Supreme Court refused to grant bail to the accused, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the necessity of custodial interrogation at this stage of the investigation.
Broader Implications
The reference to Breaking Bad and Narcos by Justice Sharma adds a cultural dimension to the judicial narrative, reflecting how modern entertainment media can resonate with real-world legal issues.
Both shows explore the deep entrenchment of drug syndicates and the devastating impact they have on communities.
The decision reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to addressing drug-related offenses with strict measures, particularly when the menace threatens the country’s younger population.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Drugs Cases
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